I hate to admit it, but as much as you should try to avoid tourist traps in Paris, you will always still want a shot with the Eiffel Tower. Like there are no New York movies without a skyline shot, there are no French films without the Eiffel Tower and so there’s no reason you should return home without a shot with the Eiffel Tower. But instead of crowding Place de Trocadero or Champ-de-Mars where you’ll probably get pick-pocketed while you stake out the perfect shot, here’s a list of places with stellar views of la Tour Eiffel minus the selfie sticks and souvenirs:
Rue Monttessuy
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Dodge the cars and you’ll get your perfect shot! On rue Monttessuy, if you play with the angles you might even get a pic of the very-Parisian café-terrasse on the right and if you’re very lucky, maybe even a Vespa zooming by.
Rue de l’Université
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You’ll have a few more onlookers here on rue de l’Université because you’re right in front of the tower, but it’s still the lady’s most photogenic angle, that’s for sure.
Rue Saint-Dominique
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A favorite of Parisians, this street is as fun to shop on as it is to take photos. Watch out for the cars because they have no patience for tourists. Make sure to stop by Aux Merveilleux de Fred to try one of the northern puffy delights.
Le Metropolitan – Place de Mexico
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Le Metropolitan is a hotel with the almost Manhattanhenge-Paris shots of the Eiffel Tower, but you don’t have to book a room to get a good shot. Place de Mexico where the hotel is located offers similar, free, views. Avenue d’Eylau connects directly to Place de Trocadero and therefore offers an obstructed view of the monument.
Maison de Balzac
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You must visit the Maison de Balzac for the sole importance of the author in history and his literary genius, but also because of the unparalleled view of the Eiffel Tower. Saunter in the garden and smell the roses! An insider secret: After Masion de Balzac, walk down the street to 15 Rue Raynouard, a swanky Art Deco villa. If you ask nicely, someone who lives there or the gardener might let you take a look behind the gates and, as you can imagine, the entire building and it’s garden face the Eiffel Tower.
Parc de Belleville
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Parc de Belleville is the most underrated park in all of Paris. Not only is there an entire vineyard here, but also it offers some of the loveliest views of the city. And don’t worry about tourists, there are none!
Foyer International des Etudiants’ Rooftop by the Luxembourg Gardens
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This one’s special and right next door to the Luxembourg Gardens. At Foyer International des Etudiants, if you ask nicely you will be allowed to the roof to take in the perfect view of the tower. While you’re at it, go down one floor into the library of the hostel and it offers a similar view. (Bonus tip: If you’re traveling on a very tight budget, this might also be the place to stay. The view’s alright too.)
ANY ROOF
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If you can get access to any roof, don’t even think twice!
